Sweet Spiced Caramel Apples

Ingredients:
10 medium tart apples
10 popsicle sticks
2 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 c. half-and-half cream
1 c. light corn syrup
1 c. butter, cubed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 3/4 c. white baking chips
3 Tbsp. shortening

Directions:
Wash and dry apples; remove stems. Insert popsicle sticks into the bottoms of apples. Place on a buttered baking sheet; refrigerate until ready to use.

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cream, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm-ball stage), about 50 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Dip apples into the hot caramel to completely coat. Place on prepared pan; let stand until set.

In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside. In a microwave, melt white chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip one caramel apple into the warm white chip mixture and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat.